Social Innovation in Farm Business Development of Small Farmers in Bangladesh: A Case Study from Chattogram District

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the multifunctionality of the Common Interest Group (CIG) approach in creating social innovation by transforming smallholder farming into a farm business for sustainable agriculture and rural development in Bangladesh. The study was carried out in Hathazari upazila of Chattogram district, Bangladesh. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews from two-selected farm entrepreneurs and key informants' interviews (KIIs) with various stakeholders. We have introduced a Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM) analysis based on the semi-structured interview case studies. The analytical results clarified that the CIG approach has been found to provide farmers with access to better knowledge and technologies. It is an approach that meets the needs of rural households in order to improve their knowledge and skills for better farming practices and their livelihoods. Second, their efficiency in the use of resources, particularly land and labour, has improved, as their agriculture has been diversified. It has improved institutional access at the local level and empowered farmers. So, we could call this a social innovation. Third, the CIG approach helps farmers to promote their farming business both directly and indirectly. Therefore, our policy implications suggest that the CIG approach could be enhanced through the mainstream agricultural extension services from Department of Agricultural Extension. However, farmers have encountered major difficulties in entering the right value chain to sell their agricultural products. It therefore requires the necessary attention from policymakers.